The Old Fitz Theatre is akin to a speakeasy, in the way that it is inside a subterranean cellar below a pub, accessible by going to the back of the pub and down some steep stairs.
Tucked away in Woolloomooloo inside a 150 year old pub the Old Fitz Hotel, the 58 seat venue is Australia’s only remaining pub theatre. For this reason and more, it is worth going to experience the feel of a truly intimate piece of theatre. The type of theatre where you can see the expressions on the actors’ faces as clearly as if you’re having a conversation at a party with them.
Playing at The Old Fitz Theatre is “Scenes From a Friendship”. Written by Jane Upton, this is a two character play letting the audience in to witness the ups and downs of a female/ male friendship from high school to adulthood, spanning around 40 years.
Presenting in an even more intimate format was that the play took place in the cellar where the actors were sandwiched either side by the audience, and this further immersed those watching into their lives. This meant that the space was even smaller than usual, with one lone rectangular box in the middle to act as a set prop.
Billy (Thomas Campbell) and Jess (Ainslie McGlynn) begin their story as firm Year 9 friends, both interested in drama. Their easy banter and teasing were utterly convincing as teens, and I found myself thrown back into the days where you confided to your bestie about the cute boy who looked at you as you passed them in the corridor. Everything about them from their midland slang to their body language placed them as 15 year olds.
As they grow older and enter into adulthood with their various working lives, Billy and Jess experience changes in their relationship, not necessarily for the better at times.
Their ages throughout the play are communicated by the various technologies they used. Whilst having a very minimal set onstage - the box - Director and Set Designer Craig Baldwin managed the timeline well with actors bringing props out of cardboard boxes. A touch of comedy was sprinkled in when I spied scribbled on the side of a box in texta, the words “Granny Undies” and on another, “skinny jeans, don’t buy more”. When the characters were in high school they were talking on the phone with cords attached to the handset. As they grew and matured, they presumably had some money to buy mobile phones and it was a trip down memory lane to see old style mobile phones making an appearance, gradually becoming smaller and smaller in size.
Kudos to the sound composition and design artist Felix Partos for his choice of music accompanying the scenes, which also told the time period through pop songs. Lighting designer Aron Murray’s focus on the actors in such a tiny space and use of different techniques communicated volumes in mood.
Campbell portrayed Billy’s vulnerability well, conveying his lack of self esteem and confidence issues with Jess, whilst at other times he exploded with frustration at some situations. As successful as he is in his career as an agent, we follow an emotional journey into his exploration of own self and sexuality.
McGlynn’s portrayal from teenage Jess to a responsible adult with true ‘adult issues’ was commendable, bringing Jess to life as a warm and caring person. Together, they formed an alliance through heartbreaks and difficulties of ever changing life, showing a bond that true friendships have, even through physical distance and the passage of time. It’s a platonic love story, with one memorable line summing up their friendship - "I don't know who I am without you. You're the custodian of every version of me.” I love that Jess said that to Billy during a heartfelt scene, because if we are lucky in life, we will get at least one special friend who holds that custodian position.
“Scenes From a Friendship” by Outhouse Theatre Co at The Old Fitz Theatre.
6 November - 22 November 2026
Run time: approximately 95 minutes long with no interval.
Tickets: www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/scenes-from-a-friendship
To book tickets to Scenes From A Friendship, please visit https://www.oldfitztheatre.com.au/scenes-from-a-friendship.